Men's Chairman's Day Results

There is something comforting when the weathermen get their forecasts wrong and it works in your favour, but for Kenny it was very much in his favour. We had been promised heavy showers, but most competitors saw nothing but a few clouds and sunshine. 150 members and guests turned out for a 3 man Texas Scramble with lots of prizes on the table. The players were greeted at the 9th/10th with a barbecue burger/sausage and a drink prepared by a smokey Debbie and her crew who kept the charcoals burning all day to ensure all were fed and watered. Results were tight and prizes were decided on a few tenths of a stroke. The overall winners were Davy Flynn, Graeme Cowings, Frank Higgins with a magnificent score of 58.4, just beating a team of David York, Daniel Deakin and Paul Irving by 0.2 of a stroke. All the results and the photos of the presentation can be seen via our Parklands website. Well done to Kenny and all the helpers for another great day.

Lady Chairman's Day - Winner

Pat Mattinson reckons that if you are planning a wedding, you can't go far wrong in choosing the Parklands Lady Chairman's Day as your date, because she always gets good weather ... and so it proved today with a nice warm day with lots of sunshine. The ladies played strokeplay with lots of prizes on the table .... and food too!! There were goodies at the 9th in the gazebo and a 'high tea' to finish in the clubhouse. The new Maureen Braven memorial bridge had the first official crossing and the day ended with a presentation in the clubhouse which was very well attended. The overall winner was Sam Malone with a 97 - 30 = 67 .... well done Sam. Best gross was Angela Rumney with an 82 and the rest of the prizewinners are on the Parklands website. A lovely day for all concerned Pat ..

New Bridge - First Official Traffic

The first official traffic across the new bridge was on Saturday afternoon when the opening threeball in the Lady Chairman's Day reached the 15th. The threeball was greeted by the Ladies Chairman, Pat Mattinson, the Men's Chairman, Kenny Shepherd accompanied by Debbie and myself (camera in hand). The threeball consisted of the Lady Captain, Maureen Jenkins, Isabel Hirst and Heather Stonebank. Well done to all concerned .....

Field Day Success for Men's Team

The final team competition of the year in the Hadrian League is the annual Field Day, the format being strokeplay, teams of 6 from all 15 clubs within the league, best 4 scores to count with gross and net trophies up for grabs. The competition was held on Sunday morning on a windy and cool Newbiggin links. The Parklands team was Karl Mossom, Daniel Trotter, Daniel Deakin, Paul Shanks, Ronnie Dixon and Craig Wilson. Parklands had early tees from 09.00 to 09.50 and a little local knowledge as each of their groupings also had a player from Newbiggin. The team performed well and the combined best 4 individual net scores were leading in the club house when we left after lunch. In addition, Craig Wilson had a superb knock and was 75-6=69 and leading in the individual net scoring. However, when I received the final results later in the evening, Craig was pipped to the trophy on count back. However we did win the team net trophy, a fitting reward for the team to end their Hadrian League year. Well done to you all.

Neil Watson and my Captain's Day Card

For those members who did not see my Captain's Day score card, as designed and printed by Neil Watson, I attach a copy. Neil is a smart cookie and he picked up my military background and designed this cover ... much to my surprise and delight. I wonder what he has in store for Brian King next year!!

Last Hadrian League match of Season

Our last Hadrian League match of the season was an away fixture at Ponteland and this had turned into a mid-table battle with the winner destined to finish ahead of the other in the league. Unfortunately the team were looking a little weary from our long season and we only narrowly avoided a whitewash ... With Graeme Hewitt away on holiday, Chris Bowman played at number one but lost 4/3. Losses also came for Ian Davidson, Daniel Trotter, Ronnie Dixon and Paul Shanks. The last glimmer of hope was Karl Mossom who teed off on the 18th, one down, but then sank a super put to force a half and win a point .... 11-1 and a mid table finish. Thanks to all the team players for their support and efforts throughout the season. You have been great ambassadors for Parklands and I'm very proud of you all.

Men's Captain's Day Result

What a super day ... brilliant weather .... a great competition with 140+ playing and a close result. All this was coupled with willing hands from the ladies as they helped to administer the competition start and run the raffle. Maureen Jenkins started all the groups and Paul Griggs made sure that they were fed and watered at the 9th/10th. We raised £286 in the raffle through the generosity of the players and a further £137 with the charity bucket ... all the proceeds destined for the Captains Charity, Alzheimer.
And the results ... winner of Captains Day 2009 .... Derek Himlin. Best gross - Ian Davidson, winner cat 0-16 Mick Mcginney, winner 17-28 Alex Cragg, best senior - Eli Topping, best junior - Robert Hope, best Past Captain - Bas Cole, best visitor - Graham Cowings. All the other prizes can be viewed on the website. My sincere thanks to all the sponsors of the holes and the prizes ... their generosity makes the prize table more attractive for the winners .... well done guys.

Back to back defeats

The men's team had a second match this week in the Hadrian League and suffered a second defeat losing 8 - 4 at home to Bellingham. On a lovely warm evening, the team took a hit before the off with the news that Chris Bowman was ill and as a result players 3-6 had to move up one slot and Darren Rushtom was drafted in for his first ever match for the team, playing no6. The matches started well and we looked to be heading for a winning evening ... but things slipped away ... Ian Davidson lost 2/1, Ronnie Dixon lost 3/2, Craig Wilson lost 2/1 .... but then Darren won on the 18th and Paul Shanks won 2 up. Graeme Hewitt went down the 18th only to lose on the last. Let's hope we can end this run in out last match next week ....

Beaten but not down hearted

The Men's team had a difficult fixture in the Hadrian League last night with an away match at Newcastle United. This match was the one postponed from last week due to the weather, but there were no problems with the weather on this occasion with a cloudy but warm evening. In the no1 spot, Graeme Hewitt played Ryan Young and had a great win 5/4. Karl Mossom played no2 (again responding to a 4.30pm call to come and play as substitute) and after a close match Karl went down 2/1. Ian Davidson, playing the course for the first time, lost 5/4. Paul Shanks looked good for a half before going down 3/1 and Ronnie, fighting the course and a dose of the cold lost 3/1. It was left to Craig Wilson to salvage the second win of the night with a 2/1 win and secure us some vital points in the league standings. A loss 8 - 4 .... but its a home match tonight.

Past Captain's Competition and Dinner

The annual Past Captain's competition and dinner was held at Parklands on the afternoon and evening of Sunday 2nd August on a warm sunny day. The competition format is the men's past captains versus the ladies past captains in individual matchplay. The event has been running for 14 years and is well attended by members past and present. The event is organised by last years captains, in this case by Denise Swindlehurst and Paul Fairley. Unfortunately Paul was away on holiday and the task of organisation fell on Denise. The result of the competition was a win for the ladies. The dinner was a splendid affair with good food from Lynne and Cheryl and good company from all those who attended. Thanks Denise .... (click on the photo to enlarge).

Darren the Destroyer

They reckon we all have that one great round of golf within us all and one day !!! ..... Well for Darren Rushtom; his dream round became a reality on Sunday morning in the Men's Competition, when he carded an amazing gross 70 - 11 = 59 nett .....What a round. This equals the current men's course record .... an amazing feat for an 11 handicapper (now 9). Well done Darren ... that break in Malaysia must have done you the world of good.

Forster Cup Competition at Morpeth

Thanks to all the members who turned up to play in the County competition at Morpeth on Saturday. The competition was the Forster Cup, open to all players within the county with a handicap of 13 and over. Parklands had 35 players in the competition which was a third of the field. Playing in this competition gives our members the experience of competing at county level whilst representing Parklands Golf Club. We did not have a player in the prizes, but it was agreed that it was a great day out for £5. Thanks guys and see you all next year.

Lady Captain's Day

The re-arranged Lady Captain's Day was held on Saturday, 1st August and despite the rainy start to the morning, the event was dry and the sun came out and ensured that the event was a success. Maureen Jenkins was there to meet the members and guests, have photographs taken with each group that started and she then moved to the gazebo on the 9th/10th where the Bucks Fizz was flowing. The golf was followed by a sit down tea and then the presentation of prizes and trophies. Maureen made one of her famous thank you speeches and the winner of Captain's Day was Joanne Rumney with a super score of 94 - 26 = 68. Well done to all the other prize winners and well done to Maureen for a well organised and enjoyable day.

Parklands Juniors at the Gosforth GC Open

A report from Robert Hope .......A great day for the Parklands Juniors as they ventured out to Gosforth Golf Club for their Annual Junior Open. Eleven players went to represent Parklands and did not return empty handed.
The day started well as the weather was at its best giving a favourable breeze towards the first green. With a warm welcome upon arrival the juniors were in high spirits. Each junior spent at least half an hour on the practice green getting used to the lightning quick greens, and getting a feel for their game.
Congratulations to Ryan Simpson who ensured Parklands were amongst the honours by taking third place winning a Titleist pencil bag and shooting an impressive 8 under for the day. Ryan led for most of the day. Sadly in the final group Connor Hoyle from Northumberland Golf Club arrived in the club house with a net 60 snatching 1st place from Ryan. Alex Minto also returned a net 61, and claimed 2nd place on count back.
Also Congratulations to Joanna Rumney who secured a second victory for Parklands by winning girls best net, shooting a great score of 65.
A big thank you to all who provided transport to get us to the event, also to Peter Cartwright the organiser and to the starter whose name I was unable to catch.

Junior Team vs Newbiggin

Report from Robert Hope ......Another great result for the Parklands Junior team as we faced the sea faring folk of Newbiggin by the sea. Whilst the Newbiggin juniors arrived with a large handicap advantage, it soon dissolved, as they felt the pressure of taking their first tee shot watched by a large crowd of Parklands supporters. Many thanks once again for all who gathered to see the Parklands Junior team in action.
The team would like to give a warm welcome back to our Captain, Daren Rushtom, who made his return to the team after spending a four week holiday in Malaysia. Darren played Newbiggin’s number one, four handicapper, Lee Warren. Despite the 6 shot difference, the game seemed evenly match, as neither player dominated the course. Finally, the game seemed to be heading to a Parklands victory, as Darren went one up on the 17th. Sadly a wayward tee shot cost Darren the full two points but with one point apiece, Parklands was off to a decent start.
Seconded to the tee was Ben Goldie playing five handicapper, Lee Lansbury, a relief for Ben who gladly handed the number one spot back to Darren. Ben hit a promising opening drive which ended up just short of the green, putting confidence on a high level. The match was a difficult one with the eight shot difference proving too great a challenge for Ben, who played bravely until defeat struck on the 15th green.
In our third group we had Oliver Hogg playing Kris Willis. Both players got off to a good start creating a keen atmosphere for the round. The match was even for most of the front nine, but fortunes changed and by the 14th it was dormie. Olly had to win every hole to win the match. Unfortunately, they halved the 15th hole, so the match was over, giving Newbiggin a four shot lead.
Playing position number four Robert Hope played Jonathan Cook. A worrying start for Robert as Jonathan drove the greenside bunker showing just how far he could drive from the tee. Sadly for Jonathon, the bunker kept his ball for a further four shots, whereupon he conceded the hole, giving Robert a great start. Once more, despite the handicap difference, the game was evenly matched until Robert finally found victory on the 16th green.
In group five was Tom Brooks playing Phil Holland. The match got off to a nervous start as both players found out of bounds on the left, meaning bogey or worse was going to win the hole. The match was ever changing with both players swapping the lead from time to time, until the back nine. Tom won the 16th to go Dormie 2, and Parklands could feel another win approaching. It was not to be, as Phil dug deep, won the final two holes, halving the match to leave the score Newbiggin 6, Parklands four.
With all riding on the final match of Wayne Mcculloch vs. Luke Jeffrey tensions were running high. Wayne got off to a strong start on the front nine staying constantly in the lead. Good luck continued on the back nine where Wayne had a putt to win the match on 14. It wasn’t to be, so the match continued for one more hole, where watched by the whole team, Wayne sunk the final putt on the 15th to win his match, and secure a draw for the team.
We can’t forget our team reserves and caddies who gave their support on the course, Joanna Rumney, Samantha Malone, Dean Lambert and Ryan Simpson, which was much appreciated
The match was halved Parklands 6 Newbiggin 6 a welcome improvement from our away match when Newbiggin won 10 – 2.
With luck Parklands will continue its successful run for the final two games of the season.

The Red Arrows also provided entertainment for the golfers from time to time, along with an assortment of fighter jets and helicopters – never a dull moment on the Park!